US20220243504A1 - Inductive sensor for vehicle - Google Patents
Inductive sensor for vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220243504A1 US20220243504A1 US17/614,258 US202017614258A US2022243504A1 US 20220243504 A1 US20220243504 A1 US 20220243504A1 US 202017614258 A US202017614258 A US 202017614258A US 2022243504 A1 US2022243504 A1 US 2022243504A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- pressure component
- inductive coil
- opening
- management module
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 75
- 230000005672 electromagnetic field Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000696 magnetic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B81/00—Power-actuated vehicle locks
- E05B81/54—Electrical circuits
- E05B81/64—Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors
- E05B81/76—Detection of handle operation; Detection of a user approaching a handle; Electrical switching actions performed by door handles
- E05B81/78—Detection of handle operation; Detection of a user approaching a handle; Electrical switching actions performed by door handles as part of a hands-free locking or unlocking operation
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B81/00—Power-actuated vehicle locks
- E05B81/54—Electrical circuits
- E05B81/64—Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors
- E05B81/76—Detection of handle operation; Detection of a user approaching a handle; Electrical switching actions performed by door handles
- E05B81/77—Detection of handle operation; Detection of a user approaching a handle; Electrical switching actions performed by door handles comprising sensors detecting the presence of the hand of a user
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
- H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
- H03K17/965—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
- H03K17/97—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using a magnetic movable element
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
- H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
- H03K17/965—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
- H03K17/97—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using a magnetic movable element
- H03K2017/9706—Inductive element
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K2217/00—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00
- H03K2217/94—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00 characterised by the way in which the control signal is generated
- H03K2217/96—Touch switches
- H03K2217/96038—Inductive touch switches
Definitions
- the present invention relates to detection sensors, and more specifically to an inductive detection sensor for a motor vehicle, as well as to a vehicle comprising such a sensor.
- sensors to be mounted in the door handles of a motor vehicle in order to detect a user wishing to unlock the openings.
- These sensors particularly can be of the capacitive type or of the inductive type.
- Capacitive sensors are used to detect the presence of the human body, for example, the hand of a user, by detecting the variations in the electromagnetic field between an electrode of the sensor and the human body, which varies the capacitance of the sensor when it is approached.
- Inductive sensors are particularly used for unlocking operations using a push-button. These sensors detect the variations in the electromagnetic field generated by a movement of a metal target, connected to the push-button, relative to an inductive coil when the push button is pressed by a user in order to unlock the door.
- the sensor comprises a printed circuit, a metal target, assuming the form of a metal plate, and a deformable target support.
- the metal target is mounted in the deformable target support, which is fixed to the rear part of a push-button of the handle, facing the inductive coil.
- the printed circuit comprises an inductive coil and a microcontroller, which detects the voltage variations at the terminals of the inductive coil.
- a user presses the push-button in order to unlock the door they move the target by deforming the support so as to reduce the distance between the target and the inductive coil. This modification of the distance varies the electromagnetic field and therefore the voltage at the terminals of the coil, so that the microcontroller detects this variation and then controls the unlocking of the opening.
- Such a sensor nevertheless has disadvantages. Indeed, when assembling the sensor in the vehicle, the target needs to be fixed on the rear part of the push-button, which can be complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, manufacturing and assembling the target support and the target in the support can prove to be complex and time-consuming. Finally, the use of a target and a support make the sensor particularly expensive; however, in the motor vehicle industry, reducing the cost of each component and item of equipment is desirable.
- the subject matter of the invention is first of all an inductive detection sensor for unlocking a vehicle opening, in particular a motor vehicle, said sensor particularly being able to be mounted in said opening and comprising a printed circuit, on which an inductive coil and a management module are mounted, which module is able to detect a variation in the electromagnetic field at the terminals of said inductive coil, said sensor being characterized in that it comprises a visible pressure component, which is at least partially metal, at least partially arranged in line with said inductive coil and is able to move relative to the inductive coil after a pressure is directly exerted onto said pressure component by a user, the management module being able to control the unlocking of the opening following the detection of a variation in the electromagnetic field at the terminals of the inductive coil following a movement of the visible pressure component by a user.
- the term “visible” is understood to mean that when the sensor is mounted in the opening the pressure component has an outer surface that is visible from outside the vehicle and has a portion that can be pressed by a user in order to move said pressure component.
- the sensor according to the invention advantageously uses a visible element of the vehicle, for example, a push-button, or directly a handle, to detect an unlocking request from a user.
- the sensor according to the invention therefore dispenses with the use of a metal target and a target support by using a component of the vehicle that already exists. Therefore, the invention advantageously allows the cost and the complexity of manufacturing and assembling the sensor to be limited.
- the opening being a door comprising a handle and said handle comprising a hollow body defining an internal housing
- the printed circuit and the inductive coil are able to be mounted inside said internal housing and the pressure component is a visible element of the handle, outside the internal housing.
- the sensor thus can be mounted in the hollow body handles fitted to most current vehicles.
- the opening being a door comprising a handle mounted in a housing of the door and said housing being closed by a shell
- the printed circuit and the coil are able to be mounted in a casing fixed on said shell at an opening formed in said shell and the pressure component is a visible element of the handle.
- the sensor thus can be mounted in handles of the type that are integrated in the door that at present are fitted to increasing numbers of vehicles.
- the printed circuit and the coil are able to be mounted in said pillar and the pressure component is an element of said pillar.
- the sensor thus can be mounted in any vehicle comprising a door pillar.
- the visible pressure component is at least partially produced from a non-magnetic material, preferably made of chrome, which is a material that is currently in widespread use in vehicle openings.
- a non-magnetic material is advantageously used to reduce the level of magnetic interference with the other electronic equipment of the vehicle, with external electrical equipment or with any metal part located in the vicinity.
- the visible pressure component comprises a logo or a strip in order to allow, for example, the user to quickly identify the zone to be pressed in order to activate the opening.
- the management module is implemented by a microcontroller.
- the senor comprises a casing, in which the printed circuit is mounted, in order to easily mount the sensor in the vehicle.
- the pressure component advantageously can be a wall of said casing, particularly in order to ensure that the pressure component is in line with the inductive coil.
- the invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one sensor as previously described.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of the sensor according to the invention
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a door handle that can be integrated in a door of a motor vehicle
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the sensor according to the invention mounted behind the shell for accommodating the handle of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section view of the sensor of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a door of a motor vehicle
- FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of the sensor according to the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a transverse section view of the sensor of FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the inductive sensor according to the invention is a detection sensor intended to be mounted in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, and more specifically in an opening of a vehicle in order to allow unlocking. It will be noted that the sensor nevertheless can be mounted in an element of the vehicle other than an opening, for example, in a wing, the roof or at any other suitable point of the vehicle, without this limiting the scope of the present invention. In the examples provided hereafter, the sensor is either mounted in a door handle, or in a door pillar.
- FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the sensor 1 - 1 according to the invention.
- the sensor 1 - 1 is mounted in a handle 2 of a door 3 of a vehicle.
- the handle 2 comprises a hollow body 2 A extending between two ends, one 2 A 1 of which is fixed to the lateral panel 3 A of the door 3 at a hinge Z.
- This hollow body 2 A defines an internal housing 2 B accommodating elements of the sensor 1 - 1 .
- the sensor 1 - 1 comprises a printed circuit 10 , mounted in the housing 2 B of the body 2 A of the handle 2 , on which an electrically connected inductive coil 11 and management module are mounted.
- the management module 12 is able to electrically power the inductive coil 11 and to detect a voltage variation at the terminals of the inductive coil 11 that is synonymous with variations in the electromagnetic field.
- the management module 12 can be in the form of a microcontroller, for example.
- the sensor 1 - 1 comprises a visible pressure component 13 , outside the internal housing 2 B, in this example assuming the form of a push-button mounted in the body 2 A of the handle 2 , so as to be accessible to a user from outside the vehicle.
- This pressure component 13 is movably mounted relative to the body 2 A of the handle 2 in order to be able to be moved, for example, by several tens or hundreds of micrometers relative to the body 2 A when it is pressed by a user.
- the pressure component 13 can be in any other suitable form allowing movement, for example, a simple button.
- the pressure component 13 is at least partially metal, i.e. it is either fully metal, or it comprises one or more metal parts allowing the electromagnetic field to be varied that can be detected by the inductive coil 11 when the pressure component 13 moves.
- the pressure component 13 is advantageously arranged at least partially in line with said inductive coil 11 , so as to significantly vary the electromagnetic field perceived by the inductive coil 11 , and therefore the voltage at the terminals of the inductive coil 11 , when a pressure is exerted by a user on said pressure component 13 .
- the sensor 1 - 1 does not include a dedicated target.
- a visible metal component included in the door which can be an element of the door, itself forms the target of the sensor 1 - 1 .
- the target of the sensor 1 - 1 therefore is not located in the housing 2 B, which in the prior art would comprise all the elements of the sensor 1 - 1 , i.e. also including a dedicated target.
- the sensor according to the invention is therefore less expensive than the sensor of the prior art.
- the management module 12 is electrically connected to the inductive coil 11 in order to continuously receive the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of the inductive coil 11 .
- the management module 12 is able to control the unlocking of the door 3 as soon as the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of the inductive coil 11 varies following a variation in the electromagnetic field received by the inductive coil 11 , which itself follows a movement of the pressure component 13 by a user.
- the sensor 1 - 1 further comprises, in this example, an interface module 14 connected to an electrical source of the vehicle and able to supply the inductive coil 11 and the management module 11 with electrical power.
- FIGS. 2 to 4 show a second embodiment of the sensor 1 - 2 according to the invention.
- the sensor 1 - 2 is connected to a handle 2 of a door 3 ( FIG. 4 ).
- the handle 2 is substantially flat and retractable. More specifically, in a position called “folded” position, the handle 2 is accommodated in a housing 4 mounted in the door 3 , so as to extend into the extension of the door 3 . More specifically, the housing 4 is fixed on the internal wall of the lateral panel 3 A of the door 3 , between said lateral panel 3 A and the internal lining 3 B of the door 3 .
- a user wishes to unlock the door 3 , they press on a zone located, in this example, at one end 2 A 2 of the handle 2 ( FIG. 2 ), in order to deploy the handle outside the door 3 , so that the user can grasp and pull the door 3 .
- the rear of the housing 4 is closed by a shell 5 mounted in the door 3 .
- the senor 1 - 2 comprises a casing 15 fixed on the rear part 5 A of the shell 5 , for example, using screws, in order to be moved in line with the handle 2 , as illustrated on the section view of FIG. 4 .
- the senor 1 - 2 comprises, in the casing 15 , a printed circuit, on which an electrically connected inductive coil and management module (not shown) are mounted.
- the management module is able to electrically power the inductive coil and to detect a voltage variation at the terminals of the inductive coil that is synonymous with variations in the electromagnetic field.
- the management module can be in the form of a microcontroller, for example.
- the sensor 1 - 2 comprises a visible pressure component forming part of the flat handle 2 , in order to be accessible to a user from outside the vehicle.
- the pressure component corresponds to the handle 2 , which is movably mounted relative to the inductive coil when it is activated by a user.
- the handle 2 is at least partially metal, i.e. it is either fully metal or it comprises one or more metal parts allowing the electromagnetic field perceived by the inductive coil to be varied when the handle is pulled by a user.
- the inductive coil of the sensor 1 - 2 is arranged in line with the handle 2 , so as to significantly vary the electromagnetic field and therefore the voltage at the terminals of the inductive coil of the sensor 1 - 2 when the handle 2 is moved by a user.
- the management module is electrically connected to the inductive coil in order to be able to continuously receive the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of the inductive coil.
- the management module is able to control the unlocking of the door 3 as soon as the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of the inductive coil varies following a variation in the electromagnetic field received by the inductive coil itself following a movement of the handle 2 by a user.
- the sensor 1 - 2 can also comprise an interface module connected to an electrical source of the vehicle and able to supply the inductive coil and the management module with electrical power.
- FIGS. 5 to 6 show a third embodiment of the sensor 1 - 3 according to the invention.
- the sensor 1 - 3 is mounted in a central pillar 6 of the door 3 .
- the pillar 6 comprises a housing 6 A, in which the sensor 1 - 3 is mounted.
- the sensor 1 - 3 comprises a printed circuit 10 , mounted in the housing 6 A, and on which an electrically connected inductive coil 11 and management module 12 are mounted.
- the management module 12 is able to electrically power the inductive coil 11 and to detect a voltage variation at the terminals of the inductive coil 11 that is synonymous with variations in the electromagnetic field.
- the management module 12 can be in the form of a microcontroller, for example.
- the sensor 1 - 3 comprises a visible pressure component 13 , which in this example assumes the form of a push-button mounted on the pillar 6 in order to be accessible to a user from outside the vehicle.
- This pressure component 13 is movably mounted relative to the pillar 6 and to the printed circuit 10 in order to be able to be moved, for example, by a few tens or hundreds of micrometers relative to the inductive coil 11 when it is pressed by a user.
- the pressure component 13 can comprise a logo or a drawing, in particular, which the user can press in order to unlock the door 3 .
- the pressure component 13 can be in any other suitable form allowing movement, for example, a simple button.
- the pressure component 13 is at least partially metal, i.e. it is either fully metal, or it comprises one or more metal parts allowing the electromagnetic field that can be detected by the inductive coil 11 when the pressure component 13 moves to be varied.
- the pressure component 13 is at least partially arranged in line with said inductive coil 11 , so as to significantly vary the electromagnetic field perceived by the inductive coil 11 and therefore the voltage at the terminals of the inductive coil 11 when a user exerts a pressure on said pressure component.
- the management module 12 is electrically connected to the inductive coil 11 in order to continuously receive the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of the inductive coil 11 .
- the management module 12 is able to control the unlocking of the door 3 as soon as the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of the inductive coil 11 varies following a variation in the electromagnetic field received by the inductive coil 11 , which itself follows a movement of the pressure component 13 by a user.
- the sensor 1 - 3 can also comprise an interface module (not shown) connected to an electrical source of the vehicle and able to supply the inductive coil 11 and the management module 12 with electrical power.
- an interface module (not shown) connected to an electrical source of the vehicle and able to supply the inductive coil 11 and the management module 12 with electrical power.
- FIG. 7 shows a transverse section view of the sensor 1 - 2 of FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the user wishes to unlock the door 3 , they press P on the zone located at the end 2 A 2 of the handle 2 in order to pivot the handle about the hinge Z in the direction R.
- the handle 2 being at least partially metal, for example, chrome
- its movement will vary the electromagnetic field perceived by the inductive coil of the sensor 1 - 2 , such that the management module detects a variation in the voltage at the terminals of the inductive coil.
- the management module controls the unlocking of the door 3 , for example, via a control computer of the vehicle (not shown) in a manner per se known.
- the senor can comprise a casing, in which the pressure component forms a wall of said casing.
- the visible pressure component can be at least partially made of chrome or of any other metal allowing the electromagnetic field at the terminals of the inductive coil to be varied.
- the sensor has been described above to allow a door 3 to be unlocked, but could be used for any other function (locking, welcoming, etc.) or at any other point of the vehicle (rear trunk, roof, etc.).
- the sensor according to the invention therefore advantageously allows the management module to detect the movement of the pressure component, with said component acting as a metal target for the inductive coil.
- the sensor according to the invention particularly allows the use of parts such as a dedicated metal target and the corresponding target support to be dispensed with, which makes the sensor less expensive and easier to manufacture and to assemble.
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- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed is an inductive detection sensor for unlocking a vehicle opening, the sensor particularly being able to be mounted in the opening and including a printed circuit, on which an inductive coil and a management module are mounted, which module is able to detect a variation in the electromagnetic field at the terminals of the inductive coil, the sensor including a visible pressure component, which is at least partially metal, at least partially arranged in line with the inductive coil and being able to move relative to the inductive coil after a pressure is directly exerted onto the pressure component by a user, the management module being able to control the unlocking of the opening following the detection of a variation in the electromagnetic field at the terminals of the inductive coil following a movement of the visible pressure component by a user.
Description
- The present invention relates to detection sensors, and more specifically to an inductive detection sensor for a motor vehicle, as well as to a vehicle comprising such a sensor.
- At present, it is known for sensors to be mounted in the door handles of a motor vehicle in order to detect a user wishing to unlock the openings. These sensors particularly can be of the capacitive type or of the inductive type.
- Capacitive sensors are used to detect the presence of the human body, for example, the hand of a user, by detecting the variations in the electromagnetic field between an electrode of the sensor and the human body, which varies the capacitance of the sensor when it is approached. Inductive sensors are particularly used for unlocking operations using a push-button. These sensors detect the variations in the electromagnetic field generated by a movement of a metal target, connected to the push-button, relative to an inductive coil when the push button is pressed by a user in order to unlock the door.
- In a known solution for an inductive sensor for a door handle, the sensor comprises a printed circuit, a metal target, assuming the form of a metal plate, and a deformable target support. The metal target is mounted in the deformable target support, which is fixed to the rear part of a push-button of the handle, facing the inductive coil. The printed circuit comprises an inductive coil and a microcontroller, which detects the voltage variations at the terminals of the inductive coil. When a user presses the push-button in order to unlock the door, they move the target by deforming the support so as to reduce the distance between the target and the inductive coil. This modification of the distance varies the electromagnetic field and therefore the voltage at the terminals of the coil, so that the microcontroller detects this variation and then controls the unlocking of the opening.
- Such a sensor nevertheless has disadvantages. Indeed, when assembling the sensor in the vehicle, the target needs to be fixed on the rear part of the push-button, which can be complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, manufacturing and assembling the target support and the target in the support can prove to be complex and time-consuming. Finally, the use of a target and a support make the sensor particularly expensive; however, in the motor vehicle industry, reducing the cost of each component and item of equipment is desirable.
- It is therefore advantageous to propose a simple, reliable, effective and inexpensive inductive sensor solution for a motor vehicle in order to at least partially overcome these disadvantages.
- To this end, the subject matter of the invention is first of all an inductive detection sensor for unlocking a vehicle opening, in particular a motor vehicle, said sensor particularly being able to be mounted in said opening and comprising a printed circuit, on which an inductive coil and a management module are mounted, which module is able to detect a variation in the electromagnetic field at the terminals of said inductive coil, said sensor being characterized in that it comprises a visible pressure component, which is at least partially metal, at least partially arranged in line with said inductive coil and is able to move relative to the inductive coil after a pressure is directly exerted onto said pressure component by a user, the management module being able to control the unlocking of the opening following the detection of a variation in the electromagnetic field at the terminals of the inductive coil following a movement of the visible pressure component by a user.
- The term “visible” is understood to mean that when the sensor is mounted in the opening the pressure component has an outer surface that is visible from outside the vehicle and has a portion that can be pressed by a user in order to move said pressure component. The sensor according to the invention advantageously uses a visible element of the vehicle, for example, a push-button, or directly a handle, to detect an unlocking request from a user. The sensor according to the invention therefore dispenses with the use of a metal target and a target support by using a component of the vehicle that already exists. Therefore, the invention advantageously allows the cost and the complexity of manufacturing and assembling the sensor to be limited.
- In a first embodiment, with the opening being a door comprising a handle and said handle comprising a hollow body defining an internal housing, the printed circuit and the inductive coil are able to be mounted inside said internal housing and the pressure component is a visible element of the handle, outside the internal housing. The sensor thus can be mounted in the hollow body handles fitted to most current vehicles.
- In a second embodiment, with the opening being a door comprising a handle mounted in a housing of the door and said housing being closed by a shell, the printed circuit and the coil are able to be mounted in a casing fixed on said shell at an opening formed in said shell and the pressure component is a visible element of the handle. The sensor thus can be mounted in handles of the type that are integrated in the door that at present are fitted to increasing numbers of vehicles.
- In a third embodiment, with the opening being a door comprising a pillar, the printed circuit and the coil are able to be mounted in said pillar and the pressure component is an element of said pillar. The sensor thus can be mounted in any vehicle comprising a door pillar.
- Advantageously, the visible pressure component is at least partially produced from a non-magnetic material, preferably made of chrome, which is a material that is currently in widespread use in vehicle openings. A non-magnetic material is advantageously used to reduce the level of magnetic interference with the other electronic equipment of the vehicle, with external electrical equipment or with any metal part located in the vicinity.
- More advantageously, the visible pressure component comprises a logo or a strip in order to allow, for example, the user to quickly identify the zone to be pressed in order to activate the opening.
- Preferably, the management module is implemented by a microcontroller.
- In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a casing, in which the printed circuit is mounted, in order to easily mount the sensor in the vehicle.
- In this case, the pressure component advantageously can be a wall of said casing, particularly in order to ensure that the pressure component is in line with the inductive coil.
- The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one sensor as previously described.
- Further features and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent from reading the following description. This description is purely illustrative and must be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of the sensor according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a door handle that can be integrated in a door of a motor vehicle; -
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the sensor according to the invention mounted behind the shell for accommodating the handle ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section view of the sensor ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a door of a motor vehicle; -
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of the sensor according to the invention; and -
FIG. 7 is a transverse section view of the sensor ofFIGS. 3 and 4 . - The inductive sensor according to the invention is a detection sensor intended to be mounted in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, and more specifically in an opening of a vehicle in order to allow unlocking. It will be noted that the sensor nevertheless can be mounted in an element of the vehicle other than an opening, for example, in a wing, the roof or at any other suitable point of the vehicle, without this limiting the scope of the present invention. In the examples provided hereafter, the sensor is either mounted in a door handle, or in a door pillar.
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FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the sensor 1-1 according to the invention. In this first embodiment, the sensor 1-1 is mounted in ahandle 2 of adoor 3 of a vehicle. More specifically, thehandle 2 comprises ahollow body 2A extending between two ends, one 2A1 of which is fixed to thelateral panel 3A of thedoor 3 at a hinge Z. Thishollow body 2A defines aninternal housing 2B accommodating elements of the sensor 1-1. - The sensor 1-1 comprises a printed
circuit 10, mounted in thehousing 2B of thebody 2A of thehandle 2, on which an electrically connectedinductive coil 11 and management module are mounted. Themanagement module 12 is able to electrically power theinductive coil 11 and to detect a voltage variation at the terminals of theinductive coil 11 that is synonymous with variations in the electromagnetic field. Themanagement module 12 can be in the form of a microcontroller, for example. - The sensor 1-1 comprises a
visible pressure component 13, outside theinternal housing 2B, in this example assuming the form of a push-button mounted in thebody 2A of thehandle 2, so as to be accessible to a user from outside the vehicle. Thispressure component 13 is movably mounted relative to thebody 2A of thehandle 2 in order to be able to be moved, for example, by several tens or hundreds of micrometers relative to thebody 2A when it is pressed by a user. In another embodiment, thepressure component 13 can be in any other suitable form allowing movement, for example, a simple button. - The
pressure component 13 is at least partially metal, i.e. it is either fully metal, or it comprises one or more metal parts allowing the electromagnetic field to be varied that can be detected by theinductive coil 11 when thepressure component 13 moves. In this example, thepressure component 13 is advantageously arranged at least partially in line with saidinductive coil 11, so as to significantly vary the electromagnetic field perceived by theinductive coil 11, and therefore the voltage at the terminals of theinductive coil 11, when a pressure is exerted by a user on saidpressure component 13. Thus, according to the invention, the sensor 1-1 does not include a dedicated target. A visible metal component included in the door, which can be an element of the door, itself forms the target of the sensor 1-1. The target of the sensor 1-1 therefore is not located in thehousing 2B, which in the prior art would comprise all the elements of the sensor 1-1, i.e. also including a dedicated target. The sensor according to the invention is therefore less expensive than the sensor of the prior art. - The
management module 12 is electrically connected to theinductive coil 11 in order to continuously receive the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of theinductive coil 11. Themanagement module 12 is able to control the unlocking of thedoor 3 as soon as the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of theinductive coil 11 varies following a variation in the electromagnetic field received by theinductive coil 11, which itself follows a movement of thepressure component 13 by a user. - The sensor 1-1 further comprises, in this example, an
interface module 14 connected to an electrical source of the vehicle and able to supply theinductive coil 11 and themanagement module 11 with electrical power. -
FIGS. 2 to 4 show a second embodiment of the sensor 1-2 according to the invention. In this second embodiment, the sensor 1-2 is connected to ahandle 2 of a door 3 (FIG. 4 ). Thehandle 2 is substantially flat and retractable. More specifically, in a position called “folded” position, thehandle 2 is accommodated in ahousing 4 mounted in thedoor 3, so as to extend into the extension of thedoor 3. More specifically, thehousing 4 is fixed on the internal wall of thelateral panel 3A of thedoor 3, between saidlateral panel 3A and theinternal lining 3B of thedoor 3. When a user wishes to unlock thedoor 3, they press on a zone located, in this example, at one end 2A2 of the handle 2 (FIG. 2 ), in order to deploy the handle outside thedoor 3, so that the user can grasp and pull thedoor 3. With reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 , the rear of thehousing 4 is closed by ashell 5 mounted in thedoor 3. - Still with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the sensor 1-2 comprises acasing 15 fixed on therear part 5A of theshell 5, for example, using screws, in order to be moved in line with thehandle 2, as illustrated on the section view ofFIG. 4 . - As in the first embodiment, the sensor 1-2 comprises, in the
casing 15, a printed circuit, on which an electrically connected inductive coil and management module (not shown) are mounted. The management module is able to electrically power the inductive coil and to detect a voltage variation at the terminals of the inductive coil that is synonymous with variations in the electromagnetic field. The management module can be in the form of a microcontroller, for example. - The sensor 1-2 comprises a visible pressure component forming part of the
flat handle 2, in order to be accessible to a user from outside the vehicle. In this example, the pressure component corresponds to thehandle 2, which is movably mounted relative to the inductive coil when it is activated by a user. - In order to be able to vary the electromagnetic field perceived by the inductive coil, the
handle 2 is at least partially metal, i.e. it is either fully metal or it comprises one or more metal parts allowing the electromagnetic field perceived by the inductive coil to be varied when the handle is pulled by a user. - Preferably, the inductive coil of the sensor 1-2 is arranged in line with the
handle 2, so as to significantly vary the electromagnetic field and therefore the voltage at the terminals of the inductive coil of the sensor 1-2 when thehandle 2 is moved by a user. - The management module is electrically connected to the inductive coil in order to be able to continuously receive the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of the inductive coil. The management module is able to control the unlocking of the
door 3 as soon as the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of the inductive coil varies following a variation in the electromagnetic field received by the inductive coil itself following a movement of thehandle 2 by a user. - The sensor 1-2 can also comprise an interface module connected to an electrical source of the vehicle and able to supply the inductive coil and the management module with electrical power.
-
FIGS. 5 to 6 show a third embodiment of the sensor 1-3 according to the invention. In this third embodiment, with reference toFIG. 5 , the sensor 1-3 is mounted in acentral pillar 6 of thedoor 3. - With reference to
FIG. 6 , thepillar 6 comprises ahousing 6A, in which the sensor 1-3 is mounted. The sensor 1-3 comprises a printedcircuit 10, mounted in thehousing 6A, and on which an electrically connectedinductive coil 11 andmanagement module 12 are mounted. Themanagement module 12 is able to electrically power theinductive coil 11 and to detect a voltage variation at the terminals of theinductive coil 11 that is synonymous with variations in the electromagnetic field. Themanagement module 12 can be in the form of a microcontroller, for example. - The sensor 1-3 comprises a
visible pressure component 13, which in this example assumes the form of a push-button mounted on thepillar 6 in order to be accessible to a user from outside the vehicle. Thispressure component 13 is movably mounted relative to thepillar 6 and to the printedcircuit 10 in order to be able to be moved, for example, by a few tens or hundreds of micrometers relative to theinductive coil 11 when it is pressed by a user. Advantageously, thepressure component 13 can comprise a logo or a drawing, in particular, which the user can press in order to unlock thedoor 3. In another embodiment, thepressure component 13 can be in any other suitable form allowing movement, for example, a simple button. - The
pressure component 13 is at least partially metal, i.e. it is either fully metal, or it comprises one or more metal parts allowing the electromagnetic field that can be detected by theinductive coil 11 when thepressure component 13 moves to be varied. - In this non-limiting example, the
pressure component 13 is at least partially arranged in line with saidinductive coil 11, so as to significantly vary the electromagnetic field perceived by theinductive coil 11 and therefore the voltage at the terminals of theinductive coil 11 when a user exerts a pressure on said pressure component. - The
management module 12 is electrically connected to theinductive coil 11 in order to continuously receive the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of theinductive coil 11. Themanagement module 12 is able to control the unlocking of thedoor 3 as soon as the value of the voltage defined at the terminals of theinductive coil 11 varies following a variation in the electromagnetic field received by theinductive coil 11, which itself follows a movement of thepressure component 13 by a user. - The sensor 1-3 can also comprise an interface module (not shown) connected to an electrical source of the vehicle and able to supply the
inductive coil 11 and themanagement module 12 with electrical power. -
FIG. 7 shows a transverse section view of the sensor 1-2 ofFIGS. 3 and 4 . In this example, when the user wishes to unlock thedoor 3, they press P on the zone located at the end 2A2 of thehandle 2 in order to pivot the handle about the hinge Z in the direction R. In doing so, with thehandle 2 being at least partially metal, for example, chrome, its movement will vary the electromagnetic field perceived by the inductive coil of the sensor 1-2, such that the management module detects a variation in the voltage at the terminals of the inductive coil. When this variation characterizes a movement of thehandle 2, the management module controls the unlocking of thedoor 3, for example, via a control computer of the vehicle (not shown) in a manner per se known. - In the various embodiments described above, the sensor can comprise a casing, in which the pressure component forms a wall of said casing. Similarly, in the various embodiments described above, the visible pressure component can be at least partially made of chrome or of any other metal allowing the electromagnetic field at the terminals of the inductive coil to be varied. The sensor has been described above to allow a
door 3 to be unlocked, but could be used for any other function (locking, welcoming, etc.) or at any other point of the vehicle (rear trunk, roof, etc.). - The sensor according to the invention therefore advantageously allows the management module to detect the movement of the pressure component, with said component acting as a metal target for the inductive coil. The sensor according to the invention particularly allows the use of parts such as a dedicated metal target and the corresponding target support to be dispensed with, which makes the sensor less expensive and easier to manufacture and to assemble.
Claims (20)
1. An inductive detection sensor for unlocking a vehicle opening, said sensor being able to be mounted in said opening and comprising a printed circuit, on which an inductive coil and a management module are mounted, which module is able to detect a variation in the electromagnetic field at the terminals of said inductive coil, said sensor comprising a visible pressure component assuming the form of a fully metal and non-magnetic push-button or handle at least partially arranged in line with said inductive coil and able to move relative to the inductive coil after a pressure is directly exerted onto said pressure component by a user, the management module being able to control the unlocking of the opening following the detection of a variation in the electromagnetic field at the terminals of the inductive coil following a movement of the visible pressure component by a user.
2. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, with the opening being a door comprising a handle and said handle comprising a hollow body defining an internal housing, the printed circuit and the inductive coil are able to be mounted inside said internal housing and the pressure component is a visible element of the handle, outside the internal housing.
3. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, with the opening being a door comprising a handle mounted in a housing of the door and said housing being closed by a shell, the printed circuit and the coil are mounted in a casing fixed on said shell at an opening formed in said shell and the pressure component is a visible element of the handle.
4. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, with the opening being a door comprising a pillar, and the coil are able to be mounted in said pillar and the pressure component is an element of said pillar.
5. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the visible pressure component comprises a logo or a strip in order to allow the user to identify the zone to be pressed to activate the opening.
6. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the management module is implemented by a microcontroller.
7. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 , said sensor comprising a casing, in which the printed circuit is mounted.
8. The sensor as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the pressure component is a wall of the casing.
9. A vehicle, comprising at least one sensor as claimed in claim 1 .
10. The sensor as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the visible pressure component comprises a logo or a strip in order to allow the user to identify the zone to be pressed to activate the opening.
11. The sensor as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the visible pressure component comprises a logo or a strip in order to allow the user to identify the zone to be pressed to activate the opening.
12. The sensor as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the visible pressure component comprises a logo or a strip in order to allow the user to identify the zone to be pressed to activate the opening.
13. The sensor as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the management module is implemented by a microcontroller.
14. The sensor as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the management module is implemented by a microcontroller.
15. The sensor as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the management module is implemented by a microcontroller.
16. The sensor as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the management module is implemented by a microcontroller.
17. The sensor as claimed in claim 2 , said sensor comprising a casing, in which the printed circuit is mounted.
18. The sensor as claimed in claim 3 , said sensor comprising a casing, in which the printed circuit is mounted.
19. The sensor as claimed in claim 4 , said sensor comprising a casing, in which the printed circuit is mounted.
20. The sensor as claimed in claim 5 , said sensor comprising a casing, in which the printed circuit is mounted.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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FR1905647A FR3096711B1 (en) | 2019-05-28 | 2019-05-28 | Inductive sensor for vehicle |
FRFR1905647 | 2019-05-28 | ||
PCT/EP2020/064556 WO2020239756A1 (en) | 2019-05-28 | 2020-05-26 | Inductive sensor for vehicle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20220243504A1 true US20220243504A1 (en) | 2022-08-04 |
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ID=68138352
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/614,258 Pending US20220243504A1 (en) | 2019-05-28 | 2020-05-26 | Inductive sensor for vehicle |
Country Status (4)
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US (1) | US20220243504A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113924403B (en) |
FR (1) | FR3096711B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020239756A1 (en) |
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US20040046449A1 (en) * | 2000-12-01 | 2004-03-11 | Jean Eidesheim | Device for detecting presence of a user for motor vehicle |
US20160230429A1 (en) * | 2015-02-06 | 2016-08-11 | Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst Gmbh & Co. Kg | Door handle assembly for a motor vehicle |
US20170235008A1 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2017-08-17 | Continental Automotive France | Method of detecting the approach of a user's hand to a vehicle door handle or the contact of a user's hand therewith, and associated detection device |
US10428562B2 (en) * | 2015-07-08 | 2019-10-01 | Continental Automotive France | Device for detecting a user's intention to lock or unlock a motor vehicle door |
US20200011096A1 (en) * | 2018-07-03 | 2020-01-09 | Magna Closures Inc. | Smart handle assembly with force-based sensor and backup energy source |
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FR2529731A1 (en) * | 1982-07-02 | 1984-01-06 | France Etat | WATERPROOF PUSH BUTTON |
WO2017009073A1 (en) * | 2015-07-13 | 2017-01-19 | Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg | Exterior door handle for a vehicle |
US11078692B2 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2021-08-03 | Continental Automotive France | Method for detecting a user's intention to lock or unlock a motor vehicle door and associated device |
FR3065418B1 (en) * | 2017-04-25 | 2019-04-19 | Continental Automotive France | METHOD FOR ENABLING VEHICLE FUNCTION FROM A PORTABLE ACCESS DEVICE D AND ACTIVATION MODULE THEREFOR |
CN115419334B (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2024-03-26 | Adac塑模公司 | Door handle assembly for a motor vehicle |
-
2019
- 2019-05-28 FR FR1905647A patent/FR3096711B1/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-05-26 CN CN202080039313.1A patent/CN113924403B/en active Active
- 2020-05-26 US US17/614,258 patent/US20220243504A1/en active Pending
- 2020-05-26 WO PCT/EP2020/064556 patent/WO2020239756A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
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US20040046449A1 (en) * | 2000-12-01 | 2004-03-11 | Jean Eidesheim | Device for detecting presence of a user for motor vehicle |
US20160230429A1 (en) * | 2015-02-06 | 2016-08-11 | Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst Gmbh & Co. Kg | Door handle assembly for a motor vehicle |
US10428562B2 (en) * | 2015-07-08 | 2019-10-01 | Continental Automotive France | Device for detecting a user's intention to lock or unlock a motor vehicle door |
US20170235008A1 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2017-08-17 | Continental Automotive France | Method of detecting the approach of a user's hand to a vehicle door handle or the contact of a user's hand therewith, and associated detection device |
US20200011096A1 (en) * | 2018-07-03 | 2020-01-09 | Magna Closures Inc. | Smart handle assembly with force-based sensor and backup energy source |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN113924403A (en) | 2022-01-11 |
WO2020239756A1 (en) | 2020-12-03 |
CN113924403B (en) | 2023-01-03 |
FR3096711A1 (en) | 2020-12-04 |
FR3096711B1 (en) | 2021-07-09 |
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